Laberge Lebel

Abstract Braided preforms are now used for structural composite parts. They have made their way into the aeronautic and the automotive sectors. With the development of variable carriers’ paths braiding machines, the braid geometry can now be tailored to specific needs and be fabricated to a near net shape of the final product. However, the carrier’s path variability brings complexity to the manufacturing process: carriers can collide with each other while braiding the desired structure.

Abstract Traditionally manufactured for ropes and fishing lines, braids are now found in structural composite parts used in the transportation industries and the medical sector. Braiding machines are increasing in size and complexity. However, engineers mostly rely on expertise and on trials and errors to select a collision-free carrier arrangement, which is inefficient in terms of both time and resources.